22 March, 2009

Australian paceman Peter Siddle is still optimistic his side can hold on for a draw in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

The tourists ended the third day on 2-102, still needing 340 to make South Africa bat again after AB de Villiers (163), Ashwell Prince (150) and Jacques Kallis (102) guided the hosts to a commanding position.

But Siddle believes there are still plenty of positives for his side to take out of the match providing they stay patient.

"It was a long day for all of us. We had to stay out there for 150 overs and all three quicks bowled 35 overs so it was a tough time," Siddle said.

"Mitch (Mitchell Johnson) ended up with four wickets and Kat (Simon Katich) got a couple at the end, so that was good, but it was a tough day."

"The pitch is still holding up and the boys stuck at it out there tonight in fading light."

"If we can bat for a bit of time, be patient and work through it, we can see how it goes by the end of tomorrow."

De Villiers was the star for South Africa on day three, with the youngster guiding his team to a mammoth 442-run lead on the first innings with a flawless century.

The 25-year-old said it was a tough battle all day against the Australian bowlers and was ecstatic with his contribution.

"It was a truly special day for me," he said. "Obviously scoring a hundred here at a special ground, Newlands, and in front of this unbelievable crowd was just really amazing."


"It was tough today, there was a little bit of bounce and I thought Peter Siddle bowled very well."

"I had to grind my way through with a lot of singles, a lot of leaving, but the scoring did get a bit easier towards the end."

"Only when I got up to my hundred did I start scoring more freely. I'm pretty chuffed."

The right-hander is now banking on Paul Harris to help grind out a consolation win after they lost the opening two games in the three-match series.

"Two wickets down, eight to go, hopefully we'll get them tomorrow," he said.

"Obviously Paul (Harris) is going to be our key wicket-taking option. Hopefully, he'll come through and deliver."

"But if he doesn't I'll back our seamers to come through. It will take a whole lot of hard work tomorrow, but I truly believe we have the bowling attack with the ability to do so."